Apparatus for measuring proportions of materials



Aug. 24, 1954 APPARATUS FOR MEASURING PROPORTIONS OF MATERIALS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed larch so, 1951 m A T5 ME k n Y BY HIS HTTORNiYJ. game/s; K/AcH, F 05 T51? & Hakkls Aug. 24, 1954 APPARATUS FOR MEASURING PROPORTIONS OF MATERIALS Filed March so, 1951 w. E. sAxE 2,587,037

S Sheets-Sheet 2 //v vaivroe. WALTER E.5nx

BY HIS ATTORNEYS. g/nRR/s, K/ECH, Fos Til? & HHRR/S Aug. 24, 1954 w. E. SAXE 2,687,037

APPARATUS FOR MEASURING PROEORTIONS OF MATERIALS Filed March 30; 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 j ey; I /NVNTOR.'

- WALTER 5.5mm:

BY HIS HTTORNEYS.

HARRIS, K/EC/i F05 TER & Heme/s Aug. 24, 1954 w. E. SAXE 2,687,037 APPARATUS FOR MEASURING PROPORTIONS OF MATERIALS Filed March 30, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 1723-, 6, WFJLT5/P E. Sax:

Patented Aug. 24, 1954 APPARATUS FOR MEASURING PROPOR- TIONS- OF MATERIALS Walter E. Saxe, Pasadena, Calif., assignor to The Conveyor Company, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California Application March 30, 1951, Serial No. 218,37 5

15 Claims.

The present invention relates in general to an apparatus for determining the proportions of materials and, more particularly, to an apparatus for measuring the proportions of two materials of different densities in a substance containing at least one of the materials. In other words, the present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the proportions of two materials of different densities in a substance which may consist entirely of one or the other of said two materials, or which may consist of a mixture of the two materials.

In considering the present invention, it is convenient to relate mathematically the volume and weight of the substance, the densities of the two materials which may be present in the substance in various proportions, and the weight of one of the materials in the substance. Thus, assigning the symbol V to the volume of the substance,

the symbol W to the weight of the substance, the

symbols D1 and D2 to the densities of the respective materials of the substance, and the symbol X to the unknown weight of that one of the materials of the substance whose density is equal to D1, these variables may be related by the equation a primary object of the present invention being wherein S1 and S2 are the specific gravities respectively corresponding to the densities D1 and D2. Equation 1a may be converted into an equation involving forces only by multiplying both sides thereof by K to obtain Also, in connection with Equation 12) it is convenient to employ the metric system because of the unique relation in such system between units of volume and weight. For example, in the metric system, one cubic centimeter of water and one liter of water respectively weigh one gram and one kilogram. Thus, when considered on this basis, it will be apparent that the density and specific gravity of water are both unity. Similarly, a material having a density of, for example, 2.5 grams per cubic centimeter, or 2.5 kilograms per liter, also has a specific gravity of 2.5. Thus, it will be seen that in the metric system, density and specific gravity are numerically equal so that no conversion factor is necessary to convert from one to the other, or, more accurately, a conversion factor, K, of unity is all that is required. However, it will be understood that the present invention is not to be regarded as limited to the metric system since the same results may be obtained by, for example, establishing a unit of volume which is equal to the volume of water having one unit of weight. More particularly, such a volumetric unit might be the volume of one pound of water, for example. However, the present invention may also be employed in connection with the English system of units in instances where the use of the specific gravities, rather than the actual densities, of the two materials is desired by building the necessary conversion factors into the embodiments of the invention to be considered hereinafter.

While the present invention may be employed to determine the proportions of any two materials of different densities, the invention finds particular utility in the construction industry for measuring the proportions of sand and water in aggregates employed in concrete. Consequently, the invention will be considered in such connection hereinafter with no intention of limiting it thereto.

Also, the invention will be considered in connection with the metric unit system hereinafter for convenience with no intention of limiting the invention thereto.

Since, in the metric system, water has a density and/or specific gravity of unity so that K is equal to unity, Equation 1b becomes wherein V equals the volume of a sample of sand whose moisture content is to be determined, (V is multiplied by the conversion factor of unity so that the left side of Equation 2 is in units of weight or force), W equals the weight of the sand sample, S equals the specific gravity of the sand, and X equals the unknown weight of the sand, i. e., the weight of the dry sand, a primary object of the invention, as indicated above, be-

3 ing to provide an apparatus which includes means for automatically solving for X.

Important objects of the invention are to provide an apparatus for determining the proportions of sand and water in a sand sample which includes: a receptacle for the sand sample; weight responsive means, such as a weight scale, operatively connected to the receptacle for measuring the weight of the sand sample; volume responsive means operatively associated with the receptacle and responsive to the volume of the sand sample; and means operatively connected to the weight responsive means for solving for X in Equation 2.

Another important object of the invention is to provide such an apparatus wherein the equation solving means includes lever means for applying to the weight responsive means, in addition to the weight, W, applied thereto, a net actuating force sufiicient to change the indication of the weight responsive means from W to KV. As will be apparent, such a net actuating force is equal to Since the specific gravity, S, of the dry sand may be determined, the value of X may readily be solved for in Expression 3.

Another important object is to provide an apparatus which includes force producing means for applying an input force equal to X to the lever means, and wherein the lever means includes a lever system for converting the input force into a net actuating force equal to Expression 3 applied to the weight responsive means, or into two actuating forces X S and X applied thereto. Thus, when the force producing means is operated to apply an input force to the lever means which is sufficient to change the reading of the weight responsive means from W to KV, then such value of the input force is equal to X. Consequently, the apparatus automatically solves for X in Equation 2 when the input force attains a value sufficient to change the reading of the weight responsive means from W to KV, which is an important feature of the invention.

Another object is to provide an apparatus wherein the lever means includes a lever having a movable fulcrum associated with a scale calibrated in terms of the density of the sand. With this construction, the apparatus of the invention may be adjusted to accommodate sands having different dry densities, which is an important feature. Also, with this construction, the apparatus of the invention'may be employed to measure the density of dry sand, which is another important feature.

Another object is to provide an apparatus having weight responsive means, such as a weight scale, for measuring the input force applied to the lever means by the force producing means wherein such weight responsive means includes a dial calibrated in terms of the weight of dry sand in the sand sample, the weight of water in the sand sample, and the percentage by weight of water in the sand sample.

Another object is to provide a lever means including a lever having a movable fulcrum associated with a scale for indicating the percentage by weight of the water in the sand sample.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus wherein the volume responsive means may comprise graduations on the recepta- 4 cle for the sand sample, float means responsive to the lever in the receptacle, and the like.

An important object of the invention is to provide an automatic apparatus of the foregoing general character which determines the amount of water present in the sand sample and which then adds to the sand sample the additional water required to bring the water content up to the value necessary for a particular batch of conorete.

Another object is to provide an apparatus of the character described in the preceding paragraph having de-energizable means for delivering dry or wet sand to the receptacle, and having means controlled by the aforementioned means for measuring input force for de-energizing the de-energizable sand delivering means when the input force attains a predetermined value, corresponding to a predetermined weight of dry sand.

A further'object is to provide such an apparatus which includes another weight responsive means operatively connected to the receptable, which includes de-energizable means for delivering water to the receptacle, and which includes means controlled by such other weight responsive means for de-energizing the de-energizable water-delivering means when such other weight responsive means indicates a predetermined value of total weight in the receptacle. Consequently, when the weight responsive means for measuring input force attains its predetermined value, corresponding to a predetermined weight of dry sand, and when the otlrer weight responsive means connected to the receptacle attains a predetermined value, corresponding to a predetermined total weight of sand and water, then the desired proportions of sand and water are attained, which is an important feature.

Another object is to provide an apparatus of the character discussed in the paragraphs immediately preceding which includes means for completely automatically controlling the sanddelivering and water-delivering means so that f a batch of predetermined sand and water weights is automatically obtained.

I'he foregoing objects and advantages of the present invention, together with various other objects and advantages thereof which will become apparent, may be attained with the exemplary embodiments of the invention which are described in detail hereinafter and which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that each of the embodiments of the apparatus of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings is capable of performing the method of the invention. Referring to the drawings:

Fig. l is a diagrammatic view of an apparatus embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a third embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view of a fourth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of a fifth embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view of a control system for the embodiment of Fig. 5.

Referring first to Fig. l of the drawings, the embodiment illustrated therein is designated generally by the numeral 10 and includes a receptacle II for a substance containing at least one of two materials ofdiiferent densities whose proportions are to be determined, the substance being regarded hereinafter for purposes of illustration as a sand sample containing sand and water in various possible proportions ranging from all sand to all water. The receptacle I I is operatively connected to a weight responsive means which is exemplified as a weight scale I2, the receptacle being shown as suspended from the scale I2 by a link I 3. The scale I2 in turn is suspended from a support I4. A volume measuring means for measurin the volume of a sand sample placed in the receptacle II is operatively associated with the receptacle, such volume measuring means comprising graduations I5 on the receptacle II, which is preferably translucent or transparent, in the particular construction illustrated. The receptacle I I is provided at its lower end with a valve I6 which may be opened to dump the sand sample after the proportions of water and sand have been measured in a manner to be described.

The embodiment I includes lever means comprising a lever I'I pivotally connected at one end to the link I3 and supported at its midpoint by a fulcrum I8 in the particular construction illustrated. A force producing means for applying an input force to the lever means is operatively connected to the other end of the lever H, such force producing means including a scale pan I9 connected to said other end of the lever I! by a link 20 in the particular construction illustrated.

Considering the operation of the embodiment III of the invention, the receptacle II is referably first filled with water to the level 2I of the zero graduation on the receptacle. Subsequently, the sand sample whose proportions are to be determined is placed in the receptacle I I, thereby raising the water level to the level 22. The difference between the two levels 2| and 22 represents the volume of the sand sample, which may be obtained easily by taking the difference between the graduations I at the two levels.

There are several reasons for placing additional water in the receptacle I I over and above any water initially in the sand sample, such additional water being termed base water hereinafter. For example, the base water displaces air in the sand sample to eliminate any voids therein, and also makes the upper level 22 easier to read. The apparatus is preferably so balanced that the base water produces a reading of zero on the scale I2. Thus, as soon as the sand sample is placed in the receptacle I I, its weight and volume become known. The density and specific gravity of water are unity, employing the metric system for purposes of illustration, and the density or specific gravity of the dry sand may readily be determined in any suitable manner, such as with various forms of the embodiments discussed hereinafter. Thus, with the exception of X, the weight of the dry sand, all of the variables in Equation 2 are known as soon as the sand sample is placed in the receptacle I I.

The invention solves for X in Equation 2 through the lever means comprising the lever I1 and the force producing means comprising the scale pan I9 and suitable balance weights, not shown. Referring to Equation 2, it will be apparent that the term W therein, which is the weight of the sand sample, is applied directly k to the scale I2. Consequently, if a sufficient number of balance weights, not shown, are placed on the scale pan I9 to reduce the reading of the scale I2 to KV, then the total weight placed on the scale pan must be equal to Expression 3.

Thus, the weight of dry sand, X, may be determined readily by solving for X in Expression 3. Considering a numerical example purely as a matter of illustration and with no intention of limiting the invention thereto, let us assume that the sand sample weighs 110 grams and that its volume is 50 cubic centimeters. Consequently, with the 1:1 ratio shown for the lever II, it is necessary to place grams on the scale pan I9 to reduce the reading of the scale 12 to 50. Consequently 60 grams is equal to Expression 3. If We assume that the density of the sand is 2.5 grams per cubic centimeter so that the specific gravity of the sand is 2.5, then 60 grams is of the weight of the dry sand. Consequently, dividing 60 by results in the value of 100, which is the weight of the dry sand. The weight of the water in the sand sample then is 10 grams.

The foregoing computations necessary to solve for X in Expression 3 are completely eliminated in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawings, such embodiment being indicated generally by the numeral 30. Identical reference numerals are employed for like components of the embodiments I0 and 3G. The principal differences between the embodiments Ill and 30 are that in the embodiment 3D, the fulcrum I8 is movable relative to a support 3I, the fulcrum being provided with a pointer 32 which is movable over a scale 33 for indicating the position of the fulcrum relative to the lever IT. This scale is calibrated in terms of the density of the dry sand for a reason which will become apparent. Instead of the scale pan IS, a weight scale 34 for measuring the input force to the lever means is employed, this weight scale being connected to the lever I! by a link 35. A lever 35 pivotally connected to a support 31 and to the scale 34 is employed to apply the input force to the lever means.

Continuing with the illustrative numerical example considered previously in connection with the embodiment I0, it will be assumed again that the density of the dry sand is 2.5. If the fulcrum I8 is so positioned that the pointer 32 thereon is opposite the 2.5 indicium on the scale 33, then the scale 34 for measuring the input force indirectly indicates the value of X, or, the dry sand weight. Thus, the embodiment 30 automatically solves for X without any necessity for computations, which is an important feature. It will be noted that with a dry sand density of 2.5, the distance between the link I3 and the fulcrum It must be -34, of the length of the lever I7 and the distance between the fulcrum I8 and the link 35 must be of the length thereof to cause the scale 34 to read the value of X correctly. As previously mentioned, these numerical values are intended as illustrative only and not as limiting.

An important feature of the embodiment 3D is that it may be employed to determine directly the density of any material. For example, let us assume that dry sand is placed in the receptacle I I of the embodiment 30. Thus, since the Weight of the water in the sample is equal to zero when the sample is dry sand, Expression 2 becomes As will be apparent, by pulling downwardly on the lever 36 until the scale 34 reads W and by adjusting the movable fulcrum I 8 to maintain the reading of the scale I2 at KV, the indicium on the scale 33 opposite the pointer 32 is the density or specific gravity of the dry sand, which is an important feature of the invention. Thus,

the embodiment 30' may be employed not only to measure the proportions of sand and water in any sand sample placed in the receptacle 1 l, but may be employed to make the initial determination of the density of the dry sand. Dry sand may, of course, be readily obtained by drying another sample of sand from the same source.

Referring now to Fig. 3 of the drawings, the embodiment illustrated therein is desi nated generally by the numeral 56 and includes a receptacle 58 which is supported by a link 52, the receptacle being provided with volume graduations 53 which form a volume responsive measuring means for measuring the volume of a sand sample placed in the receptacle. As in the previous embodiments, the receptacle 5! is preferably filled with water to a base level 5%, the level of the base water plus the sand sample being at 55. As in the case of the receptacle ll, the receptacle 5% is provided with a dump valve 56.

The link 52 supporting the receptacle 5! is pivotally connected at its upper end to one end of a lever 59 which forms part of a lever means of the embodiment E0. The lever 59 is supported at its midpoint by a fulcrum 60, and pivotally connected to the opposite end of the lever 59 through a link Si is a weight responsive means illustrated as a weight scale 52. The scale 02 is connected to a support 53.

The embodiment 50 also includes a force producing means 05 which is illustrated as including a handwheel 06 threaded onto a bolt 5 which extends through a fixed support t8. Pivotally connected to the upper end of the bolt 01 is a weight scale 69 which, as Will become apparent, serves to measure the input force produced by the force producing means 85. The scale 69 is connected by a link to one end of a lever it which is supported at its opposite end by a fixed fulcrum E2, the effective length of the lever being regarded as the distance between the fulcrum i2 and the point of connection of the link "it. An extension of the lever II beyond the fulcrum 72 carries a tare weight it which may be adjusted to balance out the base water in the receptacle i in a manher that will be apparent.

Pivotally connected to the lever ll at its midpoint is a link H, the other end of this link being pivotally connected to the midpoint of a lever 18.

One end of the lever 18 is pivotally connected to I a link 79, the other end of this link being pivotally connected to one end of a lever 80 which is supported at its midpoint by a fulcrum St. The other end of the lever 80 is pivotally connected to the link 52 supporting the receptacle 5 l.

The other end of the lever l8 is pivotally connected to a link 82 which, in turn, is pivotally connected to a lever 83 intermediate the ends of this lever. One end of the lever 83 is connected to the link 52 supporting the receptacle 5|, and the other end of the lever 83 is supported by a fulcrum 84 which is movable relative to the lever 83. The fulcrum 86 carries a pointer 85 which is movable over a scale 88 calibrated in terms of dry sand density. An adjusting screw 8'! is shown for adjusting the position of the fulcrum 86.

Considering the operation of the embodiment 50, the tare weight 13 is initially positioned to balance the system with base water in the receptacle 5! to the base level 54. A sand sample of predetermined weight, e. g., 2000 grams, is then placed in the receptacle 5 l, whereupon the volume graduations 53 indicate the volume of the sand sample and the scale 62 indicates the weight thereof. The fulcrum 84 is, of course, so positioned that the pointer 85 thereon is opposite as a sufficient input force has been applied to the lever system to reduce the reading of the scale E2 to K times the volume of the sand sample (K times the volume being numerically equal to the volume in the metric system since K is one), the input force is equal to X in Equation 2, whereby the embodiment directly solves this equation for X. Considering how this is accomplished, it will be seen that when the handwheel has been adjusted to apply an input force equal to X to the lever system, the tension in the link 50 is equal to X. Consequently, the tension in the link it is equal to 2X. This 2X force is split up into X forces applied to the links l9 and 52, respectively. The X force applied to the link it acts through the lever to apply an upward force equal to X to the link 52 supporting the receptacle 53. Thus, referring to Equation 2, it will be seen that the lever t0 subtracts X from W. The X force applied to the link 82 acts on the lever 83 to apply a downward force of X/S to the link 52 supporting the receptacle 5|, thereby adding the X/S term to the difference between W and X in Equation 2. Thus, it will be seen that as soon as the handwheel 88 has been rotated sufficiently to reduce the reading of the scale 62 to KV, the input force applied by the force producing means E5 is equal to X, which is an important feature of the invention.

Preferably, the scale 69 for measuring the input force is provided with a dial having three concentric scales, 88, 85 and thereon. The outer scale 88 designates the weight of dry sand, the intermediate scale designates the weight of water, and the inner scale designates the percentage of water by weight in the sand sample. As will be apparent, if the system is designed to handle a specific sand sample weight, such as 2,000 grams, the outer scale 88 on the dial of the scale 69 may range from 0 to 2,000 grams in the clockwise direction, the intermediate scale may range from 0 to 2,000 grams in the counterclockwise direction, and the inner scale may range from 0 to in the counterclockwise direction. Thus, if a sample weighing 2000 grams and containing 1,750 grams of dry sand is placed in the receptacle 5!, the pointer of the scale 69 indicates 1,750 grams of dry sand, 250 grams of water, and 14.3% of water by weight, assuming that 2,000 grams of sample was placed in the receptacle 5! originally. It will be noted that the percentage scale shown is the percentage of water relative to the percentage of dry sand, and not relative to the weight, W, of the sand sample.

It will be noted that the embodiment 50 will indicate directly whether the sample is all sand, or all water. If the sample is all water, the scale $12 will immediately indicate the volume of the sample so that no input force is necessary, and the pointer of the scale 69 will remain at 2,000 on the intermediate scale 89 to indicate that all of the sample is water. On the other hand, if the sample is dry sand, then it will be necessary to apply a sufficient input force to rotate the pointer of the scale 69 to one full revolution in order to reduce the reading of the scale 62 to the Volume of the sample.

Turning now to Fig. 4 of the drawings, the embodiment illustrated therein is designated generally by the numeral I and is similar to the embodiment 50 described previously, identical numerals being employed for corresponding elements. Considering the differences between the embodiments I00 and 50, the former is illustrated as including a weight scale 69a for measuring the input force which is similar to the corresponding scale 69 of the embodiment 50, but which is shown as provided with dial having but a single scale. However, a multiple scale dial may be employed if desired. In the embodiment I00, the receptacle I is supported by a link I 0! which is pivotally connected at its upper end to one end of a lever I02 supported at its other end by a fulcrum I03, the effective length of the lever I02 being regarded as the distance between the link MI and the fulcrum I03. A tare weight I04 carried by an extension of the lever I02 serves to balance the system, this tare weight being substituted for the tare weight I3 of the embodiment 50. Connected to the lever I02 midway between the link IOI and the fulcrum I03 is a link I05 which is pivotally connected at its upper end to the midpoint of a lever I06. One end of this lever is connected by a link I 01 to a weight responsive means illustrated as a weight scale I08, the latter being connected to a support I09. The other end of the lever I06 is pivotally connected to a link I I0. The levers 59, 80 and 83 are pivot-- ally connected to the link H0, instead of to a link supporting the receptacle 5| as in the embodiment 50. If necessary to prevent feedback to the scale I06, the section III of the link IIO between the levers 83 and I06 may be made flexible. The fulcrum 12 for the lever ll is adjustable, as by means of an adjusting screw I I2, and this fulcrum carries a pointer II3 which is movable over a scale H4. The scale I14 for the movable fulcrum I2 is calibrated in terms of a percentage by weight of the moisture within the sand sample, preferably with reference to the dry weight of the sand.

Considering the operation of the embodiment I00 illustrated in Fig. 4 of the drawings, the adjustable fulcrum I2 is initially positioned so that the distance between it and the link 11 is equal to the distance between the links H and I0,

, i. e., so that the pointer H3 is opposite the zero indicium on the moisture percentage scale II4. After a sand sample of any weight within the capacity of the apparatus has been placed in the receptacle 5| with the system initially balanced by means of the tare Weight I04, the force producing means 65 is operated to reduce the reading of the scale 62 to K times the volume of the sand sample (K times the volume being numerically equal to the volume in the metric system), the scale I06 continuing to read the weight of the sand sample. When this has been accomplished, the scale 89a indicates the weight of dry sand in the sample as in the embodiment 50. If the sand sample was initially completely dry, the

scales 60a and I 08 read alike at this point so that no adjustment of the movable fulcrum I2 is necessary.

However, if the indications provided by the scales 60a and I08 differ, then the operator adjusts the position of the movable fulcrum I2 until the scale 69a reads the same as the scale I08. The pointer H3 is then opposite the indicium on the scale II4 corresponding to the percentage of moisture content of the sand sample.

Considering the manner in which the percentage moisture scale I I4 may be calibrated, assume a sand sample known to contain 75 grams of dry ;and and grams of water, which means that the percentage moisture content relative to the dry weight of sand is 33 With the movable fulcrum I2 so positioned that the distance beveen the fulcrum I2 and the link I! is equal the distance between the links 71 and 10, the lorce producing means is adjusted until the scale a reads grams. At this point, the scale 62 reads the volume of the sample and the scale I08 reads the weight of the sample. Also, under such conditions, the tension in the link TI is equal to 150 grams, The operator then moves the adjustable fulcrum "I2 until the scale 69a reads the same as the scale I08, or grams. Thus, since the link II applies a force of grams to the lever II and the link 70 applies a force of 100 grams thereto, the distance between the fulcrum l'2 and the link 1! is now twice the distance between the links 1! and I0. Consequently, the pointer I I3 on the fulcrum I2 is now opposite the 33 indicium on the scale II4. As previously indicated, when the sand is dry, the distance between the fulcrum I2 and the link I! is equal to the distance between the links TI and I0 and the pointer H3 is opposite the zero indicium on the scale H4. The balance of the scale H4 may be calibrated in a similar manner.

Referring now to Fig. 5 of the drawings, the embodiment illustrated therein, indicated generally by the numeral I50, comprises an apparatus for weighing out a predetermined batch of sand and for adding to the batch the weight of water necessary to provide the total amount of water required for a particular concrete mix. Of course,

in addition, the embodiment I50 determines the amount of water present in the sand initially, the additional water added being sufficient to bring the total water content up to the desired Value. Basically, the embodiment I50 is similar to the embodiment 400, identical reference numerals being employed for corresponding components. Considering the differences between the embodiment I50 and the embodiment I00, the fulcrum I2 is shown as fixed, although it may also be adjustable and provided with a pointer and a moisture percentage scale as in the embodiment H00 if desired. The handwheel 06 of the force producing means 65 is replaced by a gear I5I threaded on the bolt 6?, the gear I5I being meshed with a gear I52 on the shaft of a reversible electric motor I53. Also, the scale 09a is provided with a light source I54 which is adapted to be positioned opposite an indicium on the dial of the scale 09a corresponding to a desired value of dry sand weight. The scale 69a is provided with a pointer I55 formed of a material which is capable of conveying light along irregular paths, the pointer I55 being adapted to convey light from the light source I54 to a photocell I56, Fig. 6,

' when it registers with the light source.

Continuing to consider the differences between embodiments I50 and I00, the embodiment I50 includes a master synchro I58 which is driven by the scale 62, as by having its rotor, not shown, connected to the indicator shaft of the scale 52. The scale I08 is provided with light sources I50 and IE0 which are preferably adjustable relative to the dial of this scale. The first light source l50 on the dial of the scale I00 is adapted to be positioned opposite an indicium thereon corresponding to the amount of base water in a receptacle [i which is supported by the link II]! and which will be described hereinafter, the receptacle I51 corresponding to the receptacle 5! of the embodiment Hill. The scale I98 is also provided with a pointer or indicator I52, for conveying light from the light sources I59 and IE6 in succession to a photocell I83, Fig. 6. The light source IE9 is adapted to be positioned opposite an indicium on the dial of the scale Hit corresponding to the total weight of dry sand and water desired for a particular batch.

Considering the receptacle IBI in more detail, it includes two compartments III and I72 separatcd by a partition I73. Dry or wet sand from a suitable source is carried toward the receptacle I51 by a conveyor I'i i driven by a motor I15. The conveyor discharges into a splitting means I75 which is positioned above the receptacle IGI and which includes a rotary spout Ill 9 for discharging part of the sand delivered by the conveyor II i into the compartment iii and the balance into the compartment II2. The splitting means I75 per se forms no part of the present invention and, for a detailed description of a suitable splitting means, reference is hereby to my copending application Serial No. 269,500, filed February 1951, now Patent No. 2,587,531. The splitting means I may split the stream of sand on the conveyor Ilfii in any desired proportions, such as one half to the compartment Ill and one half to the compartment H2, or one third to the compartment III and two thirds to the compartment I72, or the like.

The compartment I'II may be filled initially with base water to a base level indicated by the broken line I8 I, the broken line I82 indicating the level after a predetermined amount of sand has been discharged into the receptacle IfiI. A float I83 is disposed in a float chamber I86 which communicates with the body of the compartment III, the float I83 being responsive to the level, or volume, in the compartment Ill and being connected to a weight I85 by a cord I85 trained, over a pulley I81 which drives a synchro- I88 to provide a volume responsive measuring means. Thus, the position of the rotor of the synchro I88 corresponds to the level in the compartment I? I. Downward movement of the float I83 below the base level is prevented by a stop I89 engageable I with the weight I85.

Additional water may be introduced into the compartment I'II through a delivery pipe I9I controlled by a solenoid valve I92.

The compartments Ill and N2 of the receptacle I6! are provided with gates I93 and. I S t which may be opened to discharge the contents of these compartments into a hopper I95 as soon as the batch has been brought to the desired proportions of sand and water, the hopper I95 discharging onto conveyor Ififi leading to a suitable point of use for the batch.

It should be noted that the link IIlI supports only the receptacle IBI, on which the pulley I8? is preferably mounted, the other elements associated with the receptacle, i. e., the conveyor I'M, the splitting means I75, the delivery pipe I9 I, the hopper I95 and the conveyor I95, being independently supported in any suitable manner, not shown. Thus, the embodiment I responds only to the weight of sand and water in the receptacle IIiI.

The description of the embodiment I59 of the invention has thus far been limited to a description of the structure thereof, and the relation between the various elements hereinbefore described will now be considered in connection with the wiring diagram of the control system therefor which constitutes Fig. 6 of the drawings. Referring to Fig. 6, the circuit illustrated therein includes main power leads 2I3I across which is connected a timing motor 2&2, the latter driving discs 293 and 2% respectivel provided with notches 2% and 265 therein. The timing motor 292 is connected in series with a series of switches 201, 298, 2c9 and 2H] which are spaced apart around the periphery of the disc 293. These switches are provided with rollers which are adapted to drop into the notch 265 in the disc 253, and are normally closed, each switch opening when its roller drops into the notch 255. Thus, the timing motor 2&2 is energized as long as none of the switches 28? to 2m engage the notch 295. A start switch 2H is connected in parallel with the series-connected switches 26'! to 2m. The disc 2% has switches ZI'I, 2I8 and 2I9 spaced therearound in axial alignment with the switches 257. 255, 259, respectively. The switches 2 I? to 2 I9 are normally open and close when rollers carried thereby drop into the notch 296 in the disc 264. The switches 2I'I and 2I9 are connected in parallel with each other and. in series with the solenoid valve I92 so that the solenoid valve opens the delivery pipe I9i whenever either the switch Zll or the switch 2H9 engages the notch 295. It will be noted that the light sources I59 and IISI! are connected in parallel with the solenoid valve I92 so that they are energized at the same time the solenoid valve is energized. The switch 2I8 is connected in series with the conveyor motor I'I5 which, in turn, is connected across the main power leads 2M. Thus, whenever the roller on the switch 2 I3 drops into the notch 26%, the conveyor motor I is energized to deliver sand to thereceptacle I5I. The light source I 5:8 on the scale 69a is connected in parallel with the motor I75 so that it is also energized when the motor is energized. The photocells I56 and I53 are connected across the main power leads ZIiI through a photorelay 229 which is also connected to the timing motor 252 to control its operation in a manner to be described. Since photorelays are well known in the art, it is thought unnecessary to describe the photorelay 225 in detail. Essentially, the photorelay 229 comprises a switch connected in series with the timing motor 292 and in parallel with the start switch 2H and the series-connected switches 20? to m, the switch in the photorelay being actuated to energize the timing motor 252 whenever light from one of the sources I5 1, I59 or I59 reaches one of the photocells 559 or IE3 through the pointers I55 or IE2. The two synchros I58 and I88, which are respectively responsive to the position of the indicator on the scale [-32 and the position of the heat I83, areinterconnected as shown and are connected to a relay 22! which is not shown in detail. Essenially, the relay ZZI includes a reversing switch for the reversible motor I53 for applying the input force to the lever system of the apparatus.

For a detailed description of a relay suitable for the relay 22I, reference is made to my copending application Serial No. 137,081, filed January 6,v 1950, now abandoned.

For convenience in considering the operation of the embodiment I55 of the invention illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 of the drawings, an example citing specific numerical values will be discussed, it being understood that the invention is not to be limited thereto. Let us assume that it is desired to weigh out a batch of sand and water having a total weight of 2,000 kilograms and having the proportions of 1,700 kilograms of sand and 300 kilograms of water. Also assume that the sand, if dry, has a density of 2.5 kilograms per liter. Consequently, it is necessary to set the light source E54 on the scale 69a, which indicates the weight of dry sand, opposite the 1,700 kilogram indicium on this scale. Similarly, the light source I60 on the scale I08, which responds to the total Weight of sand and Water, is set opposite the 2,000 kilogram indicium on the dial of this scale. Assuming that 100 kilograms of water are required initially to bring the level up to the base level I8I in the compartment I1 I, the light source I59 is positioned opposite the 1.00 kilogram indicium on the total scale 108. A tare weight 223 on the lever 59 is so positioned to cancel the effect of this 100 kilograms of base water on the scale 62 since, as hereinbefore discussed in detail in connection with previous embodiments, it is necessary that only the sand delivered to the receptacle be permitted to affect the scale 62 in order to permit obtaining the actual dry sand weight on the scale 69a. Thus, the synchro I50 does not respond until sand is delivered to the receptacle I61 by the conveyor I14 and the splitting means I16. Similarly, the synchro I88 does not respond until the level rises above the base level IBI, the float system being mechanically stopped by the stop I89 to prevent movement of the float 183 below the base level I8I. To complete the initial setup, the adjustable fulcrum 34 is so positioned that the indicator 85 thereon is opposite the 2.5 indicium on the density scale 86.

After the foregoing adjustments have been made, the embodiment I50 is ready for operation and, initially, the timing motor and the discs 203 and 204'driven thereby are in the positicns shown in Fig. 6. To set the apparatus in motion, the operator merely closes the start switch 2H momentarily. This action energizes the timing motor 202, whereupon the disc 203 is rotated to disengage the switch 2I0 from the notch 205, thereby closing the switch 210 to complete a parallel current path across the start switch H I. Thus, it will be seen that it is necessary to close the start switch 2H only long enough to permit the notch 205 to disengage the switch 2I0.

The timing motor 202 rotates the discs 203 and 204 until such time as the notch 205 in the disc 203 engages the roller of the switch 201 to open this switch, thereby stopping the timing motor. At the same time, the roller on the switch 251 engages the notch 206 to close this switch, thereby energizing the solenoid valve I82 and the light sources I59 and I60. Energization of the solenoid valve I92 permits wate to enter the compartment I1! of the receptacle I61 through the delivery pipe I9I. As soon as 100 kilograms of water, sufficient to bring the level up to the base level 52!, have been delivered to the compartment I1I, the pointer I62 on the scale I08 registers with the light source I59. The pointer Hi2 conveys the light to the photocell 53, which actuates the photorelay 220 to start the timing n10- tor 202 again. As soon as the timing motor starts, the notch 206 in the disc 204 disengages the switch 2I1 to de-energize the solenoid valve I92, thereby cutting off the flow of water into the compartment l1I as soon as 100 kilograms of water have been delivered thereto. At the same time, the light source I59 is de-energized so as to de'energize the photocell I63 and the photorelay 220, but, by this time, the switch 201 has disengaged the notch 205 in the disc 203 so that the timing motor 202 continues to operate, current being supplied thereto through the seriesconnected switches 201 to 210.

Thus, up to this point in the operating cycle of the embodiment I50, the desired base water has been introduced into the compartment I'II. Now, the timing motor 202 continues to rotate the discs 203 and 204 until the switches 208 and 2IB respectively engage the notches 205 and 206 in the discs 203 and 204, thereby openin the switch 208 to de-energize the motor 202 and thereby closing the switch 2I8 to energize the conveyor motor I15 and the light source I54. Thus, the conveyor I14 delivers sand to the spliting means I16, which discharges part of the sand into the compartment HI and the balance into the compartment I12. The conveyor motor I15 continues to operate to deliver sand to the receptacle I61 and, at the same time, the synchros I58 and I88 respectively respond to the increasing weight applied to the scale 62 and the increasing volume applied to the float I83 to cause the motor I53, through the controlling relay 22I, to operate the force producing means 65. The latter maintains the reading on the scale 69a, equal to X in Equation 2, or equal to the dry weight of the sand being discharged into the receptacle I6I. As will be apparent, since the reading of the scale 62 must be maintained equal to K times the volume of sand above the base level ISI, K times this volume bein numerically equal to the volume in the metric systom, the interconnection between the synchros I50 and I88 causes the synchros to start and stop the motor I53 as required to keep the scale 62 and the float system in balance. Thus, the reading of the scale 69a is always the weight of the dry sand as sand is discharged into the receptacle I61.

The foregoing action of the system continues until the pointer I55 of the scale 69a registers with the light source I54, which means that the desired 1,700 kilograms of dry sand have been discharged into the receptacle I6I. As soon as the pointer i55 registers with the light source I54, it conveys light to the photocell I56 to energize the photorelay 220, which, in turn, energizes the timing motor 202 to start the discs 203 and 204 in motion again. As soon as the notch 206 in the disc 204 disengages the switch 2I8, the conveyor motor I15 is, deenergized to stop the delivery of sand and to de-energize the light source I54. However, by this time, the disc 203 has rotated sufiiciently to disengage the notch 205 from the switch 208 so that the timing motor 202 continues to operate even though the circuit thereto through the phototrelay 220 has been broken.

Thus, up to this point in the operating cycle of the embodiment I50, the desired quantity of base water and the desired quantity of dry sand have been delivered to the receptacle I6I. Of course, in the event that the sand delivered to the receptacle contained water, the total weight of water and sand in the receptacle I6I is now in excess of the combined weights of dry sand and base water. The next step in the operating cycle is to introduce the additional amount of Water required to bring the total weight up to the desired value, 2,000 kilograms in the specific example under consideration. Considering how this is accomplished, the timing motor 202 continues to rotate the discs 203 and 204 until the respective notches 205 and 206 therein engage the respective switches 209 and 2I9, thereby opening the switch 209 to stop the timin tor 202 and closing the switch M9 to energize the solenoid valve I92 and the l ght source I59 and IE0. Energizing the solenoid valve I92 permits the delivery pipe ISI to discharge additional water into the campartment I'II, such discharge of additional water being terminated as soon as the pointer I62 on the total weight scale I08 registers with the light source I86, which is positioned opposite the 2,000 kilogram indicium in the particular specific example being considered. When the pointer I62 registers with the light source I60, the timing motor 202 is energized through the photocell I63 and the photorelay 220 in the manner hereinbefore discussed. In other words, the timing motor 202 starts again and rotates the discs 203 and 204 to disengage the notches 205 and 205 therein from the respective switches 209 and 2H], thereby establishing an alternative current path to the motor 202 through the series-connected switches to 2I0. As soon as the notch 206 disengages the switch 2I9, the delivery of water is terminated by de-energization of the solenoid valve I92.

until the notch 205 in the disc 203 engages the switch 2I0 to stop the timing motor, this representing the end of the operatin cycle.

With the operating cycle completed, the batch in the receptacle IBI contains 1,700 kilograms of sand and 300 kilograms of water, as initially desired. By opening the gates I93 and I94, the desired batch may be dumped into the hopper I95 and thence onto the conveyor I96 for use. There after, another operating cycle may be initiated. As will be apparent, when the receptacle II is being dumped, the scales 52, 69a and IE3 and the float system return to their initial positions, the synchro system I58, I88 causing the scale 69a to return to zero through the reversible motor I53 as the scale 62 and the float system return to zero.

In the event that sand is encountered which is so wet as to run the weight of water above the desired value, the splitting means I'IS may be so adjusted as to decrease the proportion of sand delivered to the compartment I7 I.

It will be understood that although I have employed various specific numerical values in disclosing the invention and have cited an exemplary application of the invention to determining the proportions of water and sand, I do not intend to be limited thereto since other numerical values and other applications are possible. Also, it will be understood that various changes, modifications, and substitutions may be incorporated in the specific embodiments disclosed without necessarily departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. In an apparatus for determining the proportions of two materials of diiferent and known densities in a substance containing at least one of the materials, the combination of a receptacle for the substance; weight responsive means connected to said receptacle and responsive to the weight of the substance; volume measuring means operatively associated with said receptacle and responsive to the volume of the substance; and means for solving for X in the equation gr W-X The timing, motor continues to rotate the discs 283 and 2134 wherein V equals the volume of the substance measured by said volume measurin means, W equals the weight of the substance, X equals the unknown weight of one of the materials in the substance, D1 equals the known density of the material whose weight is equal to X, and D2 equals the known density of the other material, the equation solving means including actuating means connected to said receptacle and to said weight responsive means for applying thereto an actuating force which opposes the force applied to said weight responsive means by the weight of the substance and which is at least proportional to X in said equation, and including indicating means connected to said actuating means for automatically measuring and indicating said actuating force.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said actuating means includes means for applyin to said weight responsive means an opposing actuating force equal to l K D, K D:

where K is a factor for converting density to specific gravity.

3. In combination: a receptacle for a material; weight responsive means connected to said receptacle for measuring the weight of the material; force producing means for producing an input force; lever means connected to said weight responsive means and to said force producing means for applying to said weight responsive means an actuating force which is proportional to said input force, said lever means includin a lever, a fulcrum for said lever which is movable relative thereto, and a scale for indicating the position of said fulcrum relative to said lever, said scale being calibrated in terms of the density of the material, whereby said scale indicates the density of the material when said means for measuring said input force indicates the measured weight of the material and said weight responsive means indicates the measured volume of the material; volume measuring means for measuring the volume of the material; and indicating means connected to said force producing means for measuring and indicating said input force.

4. In an apparatus for determining the proportions of two materials in a substance containing at least one of the materials, one of the materials being water and the other having a known density difiering from that of water, the combination of: a receptacle for the substance; weight responsive means connected to said receptacle for measuring the weight of the substance; volume measuring means operatively associated with said receptacle for measuring the volume of the substance; and means for solving for X in the equation wherein V equals the volume of the substance measured by said volume measuring means, W equals the measured weight of the substance, X equals the unknown weight of said other material, and D equals the known density of said other material, the equation solving means including actuating means connected to said receptacle and to said weight responsive means for applying thereto an actuating force which opposes the force applied to said Weight responsive means by the weight of the substance and which is at least proportional to X in said equation, and including indicating means connected to said actuatin means for automatically measuring and indicating said actuating force.

'5. In an apparatus for determining the proportions of two materials in a, substance containin at least one of the materials, one of the materials being water and the other having a known density differing from that of water, the combination of: a receptacle for the substance; weight responsive means connected to said receptacle for measuring the weight of the substance; volume measuring means operatively associated with said receptacle for measuring the volume of the substance; and means for solving for X in the equation wherein V equals the volume of the substance measured by said volume measuring means, W equals the measured weight of the substance, X equals the unknown weight of said other material, and D equals the known density of said other material, said equation solving means includin force producin means for producing an input force equal to X in said equation, including lever means connected to said weight responsive means and said force producing means for applyin to said weight responsive means a net actuating force equal to when said input force is equa1 to X, and including means for measuring said input force, S being the specific gravity of said other material.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said lever means includes a fulcrum for said lever and movable relative thereto, and a scale for indicating the position of said fulcrum relative to said lever, such scale being calibrated in terms of the density of said other material.

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said lever means includes a fulcrum for said lever and movable relative thereto, and a scale for indicating the position of said fulcrum relative to said lever, such scale being calibrated in terms of the percentage by weight of the water in the substance.

8. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said means for measuring said input force includes a weight scale having a dial calibrated in terms of the weight of said other material in the substance, the weight of the water in the substance, and the percentage by weight of the water in the substance.

9. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 including means responsive to the volume of the substance in said receptacle and operatively connected to said force producing means for automatically actuating said force producing means to maintain said input force equal to X in said equation.

10. An apparatus as set forth in claim 9 including de-energizable means for delivering the substance to said receptacle, and including means, controlled by said means for measuring said input force and operatively connected to said deenergizable means and to said means for measurin said input force, for de-energizing said deenergizable means when said input force attains a predetermined value.

11. An apparatus as defined in claim 10 including another weight responsive means operatively connected to said receptacle, including deenergizable means for delivering Water to said receptacle, and including means, controlled by said other weight responsive means and operatively connected to said other weight responsive means and to said de-energizable water-delivering means, for de-energizing said de-energizable water-delivering means when said other weight responsive means indicates a predetermined value of weight.

12. In an apparatus for determinin the proportions of two materials of different densities in a substance containing at least one of the materials, the combination of: a receptacle for the substance; weight responsive means connected to said receptacle for measuring the weight of the substance; force producing means for producing an input force; means connected to said weight responsive means and said force producing means for applying to said weight responsive means an actuating force which is a function or said input force, including a lever having a fulcrum which is movable relative to said lever to vary the functional relation between said input force and said actuating force, said apparatus including a scale adjacent said movable fulcrum and calibrated in terms of the density of one of the materials of the substance; and indicatin means connected to said force producing means for measuring and indicating said input force.

13. In an apparatus for determining the proportions of two materials of different densities in a substance containing at least one of the materials, the combination of: a receptacle for the substance; weight responsive means connected to said receptacle for measuring the weight of the substance; force producing means for producing an input force; means connected to said weight responsive means and said force producing means for applying to said weight responsive means an actuating force which is a function of said input force, including a lever having a fulcrum which is movable relative to said lever to vary the functional relation between said input force and said actuating force, said apparatus includin a scale adjacent said movable fulcrum and calibrated in terms of the percentage by weight of one of the materials in the substance; and indicating means connected to said force producing means for measuring and indicating said input force.

14. In combination: a receptacle; a weight scale connected to said receptacle to indicate the weight of a substance in said receptacle; lever means connected to said scale for applying a force F thereto in addition to and opposing the force applied thereto by the weight of a substance in said receptacle, said lever means including a lever having a movable fulcrum and a scale means for indicating the position of said movable fulcrum relative to said lever; means for applying a force to said lever means, said force applyin means being connected to said lever means; and indicating means connected to said force applying means for automatically measuring and indicating said additional, opposing force.

15. In combination: a receptacle; a weight scale connected to said receptacle to indicate the weight of a substance in said receptacle; lever means connected to said scale for applying a force thereto in addition to and opposing the force ap plied thereto by the weight of a substance in said receptacle; means for applying a force to said lever means, said force applying means being connected to said lever means; indicating means connected to said force applying means for automatically measuring and indicating said addil9 tional, opposing force; and another weight scale operatively connected to said receptacle to measure the Weight of a substance therein, said other W ht scale being independent of said lever means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 591,657 Moser Oct. 12, 1897 830,976

VilbiSs Sept. 11, 1906 Number Number 10 290,913 

